Czech news in brief for September 23: Monday's top headlines

Interior Minister Vít Rakušan reported that eight people remain missing in Czechia due to recent floods, while five have died. Between Sept.12 and 23, extreme rainfall caused widespread flooding, particularly in the Moravian-Silesian and Olomouc regions. Over 21,000 people were evacuated, 1,516 rescued, and firefighters responded to 25,000 incidents. More than 1,200 professional and 1,600 volunteer firefighters, along with 530 soldiers, are still assisting with the recovery effort.

At the UN General Assembly’s Future Summit today, Czech President Petr Pavel emphasized the need for a stronger national and global response to the climate crisis. He highlighted recent devastating floods in Central Europe as evidence of climate-change-induced weather impacts. Pavel stressed that tackling climate change requires effective multilateralism and pledged cooperation for the upcoming UN climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan. He also affirmed the Czech Republic's commitment to global digital cooperation outlined in the Global Digital Compact.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced he will meet Digitization Minister Ivan Bartoš on Tuesday to discuss the Pirate party’s situation after their poor showing in regional elections. The Pirates lost 96 of their 99 representatives, prompting the party leadership’s resignation. Fiala and Bartoš will also review the progress of digitalizing construction procedures. Bartoš will not seek re-election as party leader; new leadership will be selected on Nov. 9. ANO won 10 of 13 regions in the first round of voting.

Czech banks' net profit rose by CZK 4.25 billion year-on-year to CZK 59.94 billion in the first half of 2024, driven by increased credit market activity and investment product interest. Interest income and fees grew significantly, but Cyrrus analyst Tomáš Pfeiler noted shrinking interest margins and slower-than-expected loan demand growth. The Czech National Bank’s removal of mandatory reserve interest also limited profitability, though credit portfolios remain strong. In 2023, the state collected about CZK 700 million from the banks due to a new windfall tax.

The D1 motorway from Ostrava to the Polish border partially reopened today after being closed due to floods since Sept. 15. Two-way traffic is limited to the left lane, with a speed restriction of 60 km/h. Repairs continue on the flood-damaged section, and the direction toward Poland remains closed. Full restoration of traffic is still uncertain.

Czech President Petr Pavel has begun a week-long U.S. visit with a speech at the UN Future Summit, focusing on global reforms and Ukraine support. He aims to push for UN Security Council reform and Czech efforts to join as a non-permanent member. Pavel will also address the UN General Assembly, meet compatriots in Chicago, and unveil an astronomical clock with Slovak President Peter Pellegrini in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš's ANO movement won decisively in the Czech regional elections, securing victory in 10 regions, while the ruling five-party coalition led by Prime Minister Petr Fiala won only three. Foreign agencies, including APA and AP, highlighted ANO’s stable support and the elections' significance ahead of next year's general vote. The election took place amid the aftermath of devastating floods in North Moravia and Silesia.

Deputy Prime Minister Ivan Bartoš and the leadership of the Czech Pirate Party resigned following their poor performance in regional elections. Bartoš, the longtime chairman, announced he will not seek re-election in the party's leadership vote on Nov. 9. Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Deputy Prime Minister Marian Jurečka both respected the decision, with further discussions on coalition impacts expected. The Pirates lost 96 regional representatives in the elections.

Monday will bring clear to partly cloudy skies, with increasing clouds and isolated evening showers in the west. Temperatures will range from 19 to 23°C, with a light to moderate southeast wind. Tuesday turns mostly cloudy with rain, as temperatures drop to 14-18°C. The week continues with cloudy skies and occasional rain, with highs between 15 and 22°C. Rain will taper off by the weekend.

American climber Natalia Grossman won the World Cup bouldering competition in Prague, claiming her tenth series victory by climbing three of the four final boulders. French European champion Nailé Meignan finished second, and Australia’s Oceania Mackenzie earned her first World Cup podium with bronze. Grossman, the 2021 world champion, secured victory by conquering the final boulder after several attempts. No Czech competitors advanced to the final round.